On a tepid autumn day in 2003 the people of Barcelona had no idea what was stewing in their backyard. An electro-laden party had been planned at The Loft Club and DJ/producer J-Break was at the helm. His innovative productions and ability to rock a party has pushed the boundaries of a once limited central Florida breakbeat scene. J-Break has remixed and co-produced with the likes of Fixx, Agent K & Deuce, Jackyl, Infiniti, and he is also one half of the production duo Cyberian Knights.
Right out of the gate he begins with the Urban J remix of "Free Your Mind" by F.M. The dark, pulsing bass line is joined together with some funky drum loops and scratches. Funky breaks mainstay Fixx enters his "Bottom End #8" into the mix. The freestyle voices are infused with a roaring bass line that is full of energy and excitement. In the third spot on this disc is Brian Van Dalen with his electro Afterdark record "Burn Up." This is defnitely one of the highlights of the CD. The deep and crunchy bass is married to an awesome synth loop that builds until everyone is on there feet and ready to get down. Fixx "checks" in again with breaks legend Magic Mike and there colossal creation "Speaker Check One." Fierce scratching and heavy bass are a combination that made Magic Mike famous as he definitely stays true to form on this one. The maestro lends his hands to some knob-twisting duties on "Chronic Break" by Agent K & Deuce along with K Smoove. The track is built on Snoop Dogg samples and a subtle build up.
J-Break's experience as a DJ is evident in his track selection and seamless mixing skills. A slew of five J-Break influenced tracks come up next in the mix. First off Wutam and J-Break join forces to produce the funky track "Biomechanik". Fixx steps up to remix the track and he does so in true Bottom End fashion. This song springboards the mix into the Cyberian Knights' heavily electro-influenced track "Devastate the Planet." The sick bassline is overshadowed by some robotic vocals and sweeping synth loops. "Keef" by Joe Galdo is on the agenda next and is chopped and reworked by none other than Fixx and J-Break. This combination produces a track that fits perfectly into this mix set. It retains a funky, Florida sound but adds some darker elements to bring the song into the 21st century. Breakbeat super producer Infiniti pops up alongside J-Break on their release "Science Fiction." This track builds into a funked up break and the driving rhythms tie together nicely with the vocal sample. The dynamic duo of Fixx and J-Break are back at it again with the song "Rockin The Decks." Whether intentional or not, J-Break assembled this CD to read like a who's who of the central Florida breaks scene.
Finger Lickin' DJ/producer Krafty Kuts also makes an appearance in Barcelona. His remix of "Prozac Nation" by Influenza chimes in at the number eleven spot in this mix. The grinding bass and funky percussion fit perfectly into the euro-inspired mix.
Rounding out the CD is one more name that is synonymous with breaks. Dave London asks you to "Breathe Deep" while he takes over the remix duties. This deep and dark mix has some filtered and flowing bass along with dancing synth work and a touch of some sampled vocals. A real classy way to end out the CD. If a broken beat is something that turns you on be sure to include J-Break into your plans. You won't be sorry. Cheers!
